Combined Sewer Overflow

Program Contacts

Bryan Lynch, REHS
Program Manager
216.201.2000 ext 1263
blynch@ccbh.net

Megan Symanski MA, REHS
Supervisor
216.201.2000 ext 1248
msymanski@ccbh.net

A combined sewer is designed to transport both stormwater and sewage in the same pipe. Normally, all of this wastewater and rainwater flows together to a wastewater treatment plant, where it is treated and released back into the environment. However, during times of heavy rainfall or snow melt, the capacity of the combined sewer system may be exceeded, causing untreated wastewater and stormwater to be released into a stream, river, or lake through a combined sewer overflow (CSO).

Many large cities, like Cleveland, still utilize combined sewers that were installed many years ago. When these sewers overflow into our local water bodies, they can cause significant water pollution and lead to beach closings.